Terrorists Were Well Trained, But Not Necessarily in Flying By James Glanz
September 13,2001
New York Times
Section A page 21
Excerpt
Whether the terrorists deliberately chose large jets and counted on the fire damage cannot be determined.
But John Nance, an airline pilot, author and aviation analyst, said the direct hits on the two towers and on the Pentagon suggested to him that the pilots were experienced fliers.
The smooth banking of the second plane to strike the towers supports this point of view, Mr. Nance said. He added that precisely controlling a large jet near the ground, necessary for the Pentagon attack, also required advanced skill.
Theres no way an amateur could have, with any degree of reliability, done what was done yesterday, Mr. Nance said.